Graduate School Abroad: An Option for Student-Athletes Who Want to Keep Competing

If you are a student athlete approaching the end of your college eligibility, you might feel like your options are narrowing. Many athletes assume that once eligibility ends, so does the chance to keep competing.

That is not always the case.

Graduate school abroad allows many student athletes to continue competing while earning a master’s degree overseas. It is an option that is often overlooked, misunderstood, or never explained clearly.

This guide breaks down how it works, who it is for, and why more athletes are choosing this pathway after college.

What Does Graduate School Abroad Mean for Athletes?

Graduate school abroad means enrolling in a master’s degree outside the United States, most commonly in the United Kingdom, Europe, or Australia.

For athletes, this pathway is different from U.S. graduate school because:

• NCAA eligibility rules do not apply outside the U.S.
• Graduate students are often eligible to compete for university teams
• Many master’s degrees take just one year to complete
• Scholarships may be available

This creates an opportunity to keep competing while continuing your education.

Can You Really Keep Competing After College?

Yes.

Many athletes compete overseas as part of university teams after finishing their undergraduate degree. University sport abroad is structured, competitive, and built around academics.

This option is especially popular with athletes who:

• Are not ready to stop competing
• Want to pursue a master’s degree
• Are exploring options beyond college sport
• Want a clear next step after graduation

Competition levels vary by country and university, but the opportunity to stay in the game is very real.

Do You Need to Be a Pro-Level Athlete?

No.

University teams abroad recruit a wide range of athletes, including former NCAA, NAIA, JUCO, and club players. You do not need professional experience to explore this option.

What matters most is:

• Your playing background
• Your academic eligibility
• Your interest in studying overseas

If you want to keep competing and continue your education, this pathway is worth learning more about.

Why Athletes Choose Graduate School Abroad

Athletes choose this pathway for different reasons, but common benefits include:

• Continuing to compete after college
• Earning a graduate degree
• Experiencing life in another country
• Avoiding gaps between college and career
• Keeping future professional options open

For many athletes, graduate school abroad provides both structure and flexibility at a key transition point.

Can This Support Professional or Semi-Professional Goals?

Yes.

In countries such as the UK, amateurism is not a requirement of university sport. This means some athletes are able to:

• Compete for a university team
• Train with or play for professional or semi-professional clubs
• Explore professional pathways while studying

Graduate school abroad does not replace professional ambitions. For many athletes, it supports them by providing continued development and exposure alongside education.

How Do Athletes Get Started?

If you are curious about graduate school abroad, we help student athletes explore realistic options that allow them to continue competing while earning a degree overseas.

By sharing a few details, you can learn which universities actively recruit athletes in your sport and how those opportunities align with your academic goals. One of our friendly grad school advisors will follow up to help you understand your options and next steps.

All support provided to athletes through Athlete Futures Abroad is free to the athletes and funded by our partner universities in the UK.

Share a few details with us to get your study abroad journey started today.

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